Tornado Safety

In Houses with basements: Seek shelter in the basement, under sturdy furniture if possible.

In Houses without basements: Take cover in the center part of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room such as a closet or bathroom, or under sturdy furniture. Keep away from windows.

In Shopping Centers: go to a designated shelter area (not to your parked car).

In Office Buildings: go to an interior hallway on the lowest floor, or to the designated shelter area.

In Schools: follow advance plans to a designated shelter area, usually an interior hallway on the lowest floor. If the building is not of reinforced construction, go to a nearby one that is, or take cover outside on low, protected ground. Stay out of auditoriums, gymnasiums, and other structures with wide, free-span roofs.

In Automobiles: leave your car and seek shelter in a substantial nearby building, or lie flat in a nearby ditch or ravine and cover your head.

In Open Country: lie flat in the nearest ditch or ravine.

In Mobile Homes: Mobile homes are particularly vulnerable and should be evacuated. Trailer parks should have a community storm shelter and a warden to monitor broadcasts throughout the severe storm emergency. If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer and take cover on low, protected ground and cover your head.

For complete brochures on tornadoes, preparedness, and safety, check out these links: